Today's Music Picks: Noise Pop best bets for Thursday

Here are your best bets for Thursday (Feb. 27) at the Noise Pop festival:

Bob Mould -- He's an alt-rock pioneer, who remains best known for the '80s hard-core band Husker Du. Yet, the vocalist-guitarist has also done great work with the '90s act Sugar as well as during his own solo career. This time around, Mould celebrates the 25th anniversary of his acclaimed solo debut, "Workbook."

8 p.m. Feb. 27; Great American Music Hall, S.F.; $25

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Social Studies -- This could be the Bay Area's next breakout band. The adventurous indie-rock act definitely has the songs, the sound and the singer (Natalia Rogovin) to take it to stardom. Catch Social Studies now, before the rest of the world does.

Bob Mould

9 p.m. Feb. 27; The New Parish, Oakland; $10-$12

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Mother Falcon -- I haven't seen this ensemble live, but its videos on YouTube have definitely caught my attention. Mother Falcon is a group of 18-or-so classically trained musicians who use strings, horns and other instruments (ranging from bassoon to glockenspiel) to create absolutely bewitching chamber pop. Take a chance on this show and I bet you're not disappointed.

8 p.m. Feb. 27; The Chapel, S.F.; $15

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Some of these shows may already be sold out. For more information, visit www.noisepop.com.